George Offerman
Following up with the previous article about Revelation, is a more detailed description than given in the first article. Babylon will be covered in its own posting as there needs to be a great deal of attention paid to this fierce one world government as it arises out of great judgment and suffering.
The period of Revelation opens up with a severe earthquake that is unlike any other experienced in history. It will be extremely severe, and not follow any geological pattern, and affect the whole earth either at once, or move from place to place. There will be accompanying signs in the heavens of a supernatural nature, as well as thunder and lightening. The duration of this earthquake could be a number of hours to a couple of days, and most likely will target very sinful cities and places needing cleansing. This event begins the great countdown of time, and Daniel tells us the number of days will be 1335.
The first trumpet will be a vast meteor shower mixed with fire, and affect all of the grass and 1/3 of the green vegetation. This will cause intense heat, coupled with smoke and soot, which will begin to block out light and cause oxygen problems for the living.
The second trumpet will be an asteroid plunging into an ocean. It is estimated that an asteroid one mile across could be traveling at close to 55,000 MPH, or basically 12 miles a second. It would definitely ‘light up’ as it passed through the atmosphere, and become a burning mountain. Scientists have predicted in models, that the tsunami could be as high as 5,000 feet and moving several thousand MPH as it strikes land. An Atlantic strike could send a wave in as far as Ohio before it would stop. This would also fulfill Jesus statement in Luke 21:25 There will be signs in the sun, moon and stars. On the earth, nations will be in anguish and perplexity at the roaring and tossing of the sea.”
The third trumpet will be a comet hitting a land mass and contaminating the inland springs and lakes, and killing those who drink the water. Whether this trumpet will add to the already growing fires and earthquakes due to the impacts will be seen.
The fourth trumpet will be a band of darkness caused by fires, and the possibility of huge volcanic eruptions from the earthquake and asteroid strike. Scientists have been discussing a ‘super’ volcano located in Yellowstone National park, and mentioned just that particular volcano going off would cover most of the plain states in 3-6 feet of ash, and it would take years fro the ash to settle out of the atmosphere. Either way, there will be a lot of darkness during this time.
It is a huge understatement to say that mankind will be dazed and overwhelmed by these trumpets, which will occur in quick succession, and one day will be cut off from the next, meaning the lifestyle as we know it is over, and we now enter survival mode. With one fourth of the population dead and really no way to take care of any of it, we will all be thinking about God and his judgments. Survival, as well as getting the judgments to stop will be first and foremost on everyone’s mind that is alive at that time. No one will be questioning who sent this, but there will be much confusion about how to deal with this, and questions as to why the religious leaders did not see this coming.
There will be a response, and it will be created by the dark powers who have been preparing for this moment. Man’s response to God and the judgment will be Babylon, or the beast rising out of the sea with seven heads and ten horns. This beast is to rule for 42 months, and will be unlike anything ever seen before, or ever again, and will go directly against what God wants from us, and what the 144,000 will be preaching.
Showing posts with label lukewarm. Show all posts
Showing posts with label lukewarm. Show all posts
Monday, October 19, 2009
Friday, October 16, 2009
THE LUKEWARM
George Offerman
3:14 “And to the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write, ‘These things says the Amen, the Faithful and True Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God:
3:15-16 ‘I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spew you out of My mouth.
3:17-18 ‘Because you say, “I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing”– and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked– I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in fire, that you may be rich; and white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see.
3:19-20 “As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent. Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.”
3:21-22 “To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”
The above verses are taken from Revelation and are warnings to the church of Laodicea. This particular church had the same problems and issues we face in our country and it would be wise to take heed... As one of my favorite expositors has said “I’m not exactly sure what being spewed out of God’s mouth means, but it ain’t good!”
So, what exactly is ‘lukewarm’? Lukewarm seems to indicate a mixture of biblical principles with worldly wisdom, attempting to have one foot in this world and one foot in the faith walk, or double mindedness. The problem with lukewarm in dealing with matters of faith then would be the need to constantly filter the Bible, beliefs and actions through some form of worldliness. The standard then would be partially determined by those who do not have much faith in the Bible, and would be more of an ‘expert’ in the ways of the world, as theologians are ‘experts’ on the word of God.
We see this demonstrated all the time in the ‘watering’ down of the Word from other believers, the pulpit and society. People often want affirmation from those they admire, but these people very well may not have a Theo centric perspective, and will not have one’s best interest in mind. The current social norms in this country automatically speak to comfort and convenience, which then dictate the gospel of ‘tolerance’ and this standard is used when considering what one ought to do, or to determine other’s actions as right or wrong. When this is pointed out to the lukewarm, the default position is always ‘you are judging, who are you to judge and determine what is right or wrong?’
The lukewarm also see no contradictions in pursuing worldly goals that can and do contradict the word of God. This is often seen by people claiming to be believers, but acting in ways that are very contrary. The clearest example is that of the politicians who have the blood of innocent babies on their hands, going up to receive Holy Eucharist, and believing they are in good Graces by doing this. They claim to be able to ‘separate’ their personal religious life from their public political life, and seem smug in their self deluded beliefs. This is observed, and validated by the many religious leaders who say nothing, and do nothing to defend the integrity of Holy Communion. This then, is witnessed by the laity, who themselves think “well, if the politicians can get away with it and the church hierarchy sees it as no big deal….’ And then they wonder why anarchy is becoming a bigger problem.
Lukewarm gives a false pretension of security, that God doesn’t really mean what he says, and that we are the ultimate arbiters of right and wrong. After all, are we not just a bunch of ‘nice people’ and would God really judge us or send us to hell? (In fact, we don’t even believe in hell anymore). It is no wonder people are confused. When the majority can mock and blaspheme and appear to get away with it, and with all of the increased evil, stealing, cheating, murdering, drug infestations going unchecked, it would appear that God is disinterested, or doesn’t really care whether His own laws are followed, it would lead one to the conclusion he can ‘half heartedly’ follow the faith without much consequence.
Those challenging the lukewarm are the true threat to the status quo. Psychologically, it is too difficult for the lukewarm to handle this reality, as it would require revolutionary change in their lives, by living in faith, and stepping outside of their vision of a life of comfort and ease. It is much easier to make fun of and belittle those who challenge the lukewarm than it is to step out in faith and live the life called to live. Jesus wants repentance, and the end of the verses from Revelation shows Jesus continuing to knock on the door, despite the fact it is not being opened to him.
I pray for myself and for all that we will have the Graces and fortitude to stand up for the faith when the time comes when God breaks his silence with this sinful world. Only then, will it become apparent that God does mean what he says, and that the time of meaningful action to stop the atrocities has passed. Grace will abound, for sure, but comfort and convenience will be a thing of the past.
3:14 “And to the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write, ‘These things says the Amen, the Faithful and True Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God:
3:15-16 ‘I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spew you out of My mouth.
3:17-18 ‘Because you say, “I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing”– and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked– I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in fire, that you may be rich; and white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see.
3:19-20 “As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent. Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.”
3:21-22 “To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”
The above verses are taken from Revelation and are warnings to the church of Laodicea. This particular church had the same problems and issues we face in our country and it would be wise to take heed... As one of my favorite expositors has said “I’m not exactly sure what being spewed out of God’s mouth means, but it ain’t good!”
So, what exactly is ‘lukewarm’? Lukewarm seems to indicate a mixture of biblical principles with worldly wisdom, attempting to have one foot in this world and one foot in the faith walk, or double mindedness. The problem with lukewarm in dealing with matters of faith then would be the need to constantly filter the Bible, beliefs and actions through some form of worldliness. The standard then would be partially determined by those who do not have much faith in the Bible, and would be more of an ‘expert’ in the ways of the world, as theologians are ‘experts’ on the word of God.
We see this demonstrated all the time in the ‘watering’ down of the Word from other believers, the pulpit and society. People often want affirmation from those they admire, but these people very well may not have a Theo centric perspective, and will not have one’s best interest in mind. The current social norms in this country automatically speak to comfort and convenience, which then dictate the gospel of ‘tolerance’ and this standard is used when considering what one ought to do, or to determine other’s actions as right or wrong. When this is pointed out to the lukewarm, the default position is always ‘you are judging, who are you to judge and determine what is right or wrong?’
The lukewarm also see no contradictions in pursuing worldly goals that can and do contradict the word of God. This is often seen by people claiming to be believers, but acting in ways that are very contrary. The clearest example is that of the politicians who have the blood of innocent babies on their hands, going up to receive Holy Eucharist, and believing they are in good Graces by doing this. They claim to be able to ‘separate’ their personal religious life from their public political life, and seem smug in their self deluded beliefs. This is observed, and validated by the many religious leaders who say nothing, and do nothing to defend the integrity of Holy Communion. This then, is witnessed by the laity, who themselves think “well, if the politicians can get away with it and the church hierarchy sees it as no big deal….’ And then they wonder why anarchy is becoming a bigger problem.
Lukewarm gives a false pretension of security, that God doesn’t really mean what he says, and that we are the ultimate arbiters of right and wrong. After all, are we not just a bunch of ‘nice people’ and would God really judge us or send us to hell? (In fact, we don’t even believe in hell anymore). It is no wonder people are confused. When the majority can mock and blaspheme and appear to get away with it, and with all of the increased evil, stealing, cheating, murdering, drug infestations going unchecked, it would appear that God is disinterested, or doesn’t really care whether His own laws are followed, it would lead one to the conclusion he can ‘half heartedly’ follow the faith without much consequence.
Those challenging the lukewarm are the true threat to the status quo. Psychologically, it is too difficult for the lukewarm to handle this reality, as it would require revolutionary change in their lives, by living in faith, and stepping outside of their vision of a life of comfort and ease. It is much easier to make fun of and belittle those who challenge the lukewarm than it is to step out in faith and live the life called to live. Jesus wants repentance, and the end of the verses from Revelation shows Jesus continuing to knock on the door, despite the fact it is not being opened to him.
I pray for myself and for all that we will have the Graces and fortitude to stand up for the faith when the time comes when God breaks his silence with this sinful world. Only then, will it become apparent that God does mean what he says, and that the time of meaningful action to stop the atrocities has passed. Grace will abound, for sure, but comfort and convenience will be a thing of the past.
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